San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1887-06-02
Reported for the FREE Press.
San Marcos Public SchOOls..-ClOsing
Exercises.

| LACi
visit TO the San Marcos City Public
Schools during the closing week found the
children oil busy as bees. In the higher
grades, the pupils were passing written
examination which continued from Monday
until Thursday noon. 1t was pleasant sight
to observe the determination and intense
application manifested by oil during the
examination which was conducted IN the
several departments separate.
For the benefit Of visitors, pupils were
sent to the blackboard to recite from out
lines, to work problems, or to illustrate
methods The class in geometry seemed
at home with complicated diagrams which
the pupils constructed rapidly and accurate
". The classes In algebra, arithmetic,
rhetoric ana Latin passed through thor
ouch and rigid examination and their pro-
ficiency, as exhibited by oral and manuscript
work was excellent. 1t ives evident to all
that nothing was pre- arranged for the child
rem, and any one was at liberty to question
any class upon its studies. In many in
stances this right was exercised by visitors
and trustees. In every instance, correct
answers were given.
The specimens of penmanship indicated
great Improvement, and the many business
letters and of friendship written by the pu-
pits and placed on exhibition, proved an
acquaintance with the conventional forms
of letter writing. The students acquitted
themselves with honor. An attendance up
on the examinations would have proved
conclusively that the pupils had made Won
derful progress, that tho discipline of the
school is of the very best order, the in
structions thorough.
| The pupils were massed on Friday fore
noon and the entertainment given by them
was an unequalea SUCCESS. Though the
house was overcrowded by visitors and
many standing without, yet perfect order
prevailed, and strict attention was paid.
The large assembly of heads of families and
other refined and worthy citizens shows the
deep interest felt by our community in the
character and usefulness of the Public
Schools, and in the progress and advance
ment in learning of the children committed
to its care for instruction.
Dialogues, select readings, essays and
recitations constituted the order of exercises
which were highly interesting and called
forth hearty encomiums from the large and
appreciative audience.
Where all did so we'll, it would be wrong
perhaps to particularize.
Many of the boys and g,rls from the pri-
naries displayed especial excellence. They
appeared promptly when called ana showed
a self possession which was remarkable. We
could do but feeble justice to the pupils in
A and grades, and we are at a loss to
know to whom to award the prize for ex-
collence. Their readings and Rotations
were rendered with such ease of manner as
well as naturalness of voice, such distinct
ness of enunciation and correctness, of
pronunciation as to be pronounced well
nigh faultless. Only two essays were read.
Miss Cornelia Dailey's essay, "a School
Girls Grievance" was depicted in her usual
pleasant manner. Miss Minnie McDaniers
composition, while not admitting oratorical
flights, was pronounced expressive reading
and spoke volumes in her praise.
My report would be incomplete were to
omit the name of Prof. Williams little 5
year old "Karl" He stood before the au-
dience with smiling face, sparkling eyes and
did "his talking too" in clear ringing
voice. He won the admiration of all.
The Hon. Judge Ed. r. Kone and MIR.
Chas Hutchins were requested to make the
presentation addresses to those pupils who
had merited prizes. The gentlemen per-
formed their duty in their usual interesting
and impressive style.
At the close visitors and pupils departed
with smiling faces, and happy parents greet
ed smiling children with happy hearts upon
their success.